The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), following widespread reactions from Nigerians.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter communicating the planned fee adjustment, pending further consultations and a comprehensive review of the policy.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the decision was made after the government considered public concerns and feedback regarding the proposed increase.
The ministry explained that the planned review was initially prompted by current economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations.
It noted that examination fees had remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing expenses associated with logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other services needed to maintain examination standards.
However, Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry said the move was aimed at ensuring that decisions affecting millions of students and their families undergo extensive consultation before implementation.
“As part of the fresh review process, the Ministry will engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners,” the statement said.
It added that the consultations would help ensure that any future decision on examination fees is fair, sustainable, transparent and aligned with economic realities while safeguarding access to education.
The ministry stressed that the proposed fee increase would remain suspended until the consultation process is completed and a final decision is reached.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the education sector, the ministry said the welfare of students, equal access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain key priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
It also appreciated parents, students and other stakeholders for their understanding and support, promising to provide updates as the consultation process progresses.